Cody out with broken ribs; Daniels a game-time decision

Mitchell to start for injured Cody
Nose tackle Shaun Cody will not play against the Bears on Sunday night. Cody suffered broken ribs against the Bills on Sunday and hasn’t practiced all week. Earl Mitchell gets the start.

With Daniels iffy, Casey’s role grows
Tight end Owen Daniels, who has a severe bruise in the hip/lower back area, will be a game-time decision.

Daniels got limited work Friday after taking off Wednesday and Thursday but, coach Gary Kubiak said, “will have to make some progress” to be active against the Bears.

Garrett Graham will start if Daniels, who’s from the Chicago area, can’t answer the bell.

James Casey, the No. 1 fullback who has been a tight end, will see his work load increase.

“He’ll go from 35 plays to 60 plays, and he’s ready to do that,” Kubiak said. “He’s taken advantage of his opportunities. He’s very smart (and) does a lot of things for me so I’m encouraged. He’s had a good week of practice.”

Kubiak said former Bears fullback Tyler Klutz might see significant playing time with Casey pitching in at tight end.

Kubiak also said running back Ben Tate, bothered by a hamstring strain, won’t play.

Doubling down on Marshall
When pressed on how the Texans would handle the Bears’ top receiving threat, Brandon Marshall, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said they would double-cover him on every play, noting how Jay Cutler hasn’t “thrown it to the other guys very much except the running back.”

Marshall believes he’s going to get some single coverage and hopes his offense will exploit that.